WORCESTERSHIRE'S Adam Cale suffered a points defeat against Blackburn's Gary Thompson at Preston Guild Hall last night.

Cale was on the back foot in the opening round as Thomson, roared on by his vociferous fans, pinned him up against the ropes and connected with some fine right hooks.

In round two, Cale was unable to get to his opponent, who again pinned him on the ropes.

Cale was warned by the referee for holding as the pressure mounted from Thompson.

Cale, however, rocked Thomson in round three with a left hook, but Thomson counter-punched. Round four saw the fight open up with a clash of heads, then Cale was again pinned on the ropes.

The Worcester boxer put in some good body punches in the fifth but Thomson roared back to get the better of the sixth and final round and wrap up a 58-56 points decision.